Despite the obstacles of construction that have occurred off and on again this season, to make way for the LRT (ION) we are still here. Come out this Thursday between 3 pm and 7 pm.

The market has been working hard to bring vendors to the community. The market supports small local businesses, by providing an affordable outlet for them to sell their wares. It takes a community to build a community. This is something we reiterate to our market family each Thursday. A community cannot build itself. It takes the people within it to join together and lend the support that is required to maintain that our local businesses will remain within our community, despite the construction, that has thus far created some doubt in the minds of our vendors.

May 19th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on The Market and the Blustery Stormy Day)

Yesterday was opening day at the UpTown Waterloo Market. While set up was a little slow, we had much more to contend with.

Mother nature certainly enjoyed herself as the winds began to pick up, and the storm systems loomed overhead. Nonetheless, our vendors came and while we enjoyed seeing some familiar faces, we had the opportunity to see some new ones. The market is always a wonderful place to meet new crafters and farmers, new foodies as I like to call them, and entertainers.

We are happy to announce the return of Downie Street Bakery, where there is never a shortage of wonderful bread and sinful delights. Their Cream Cheese Brownies are simply sinful. I must say that they are moist, with the perfect amount of texture, a wonderful combination between a deep and rich chocolate, and cream cheese. I obviously had to buy one. Which I had to tell myself not to eat all at once. So I saved some for today. Their Sticky buns are divine, and I cannot wait to have some of their “Sexy Beast” granola this weekend. As Alan (the bread guy) as we call him says “you are what you eat” Downie street set up with a little bit of jazzy music to draw in our public, and greeted them with enthusiasm.

Nith Valley, of course, was on site, with their delicious crunchy vegetables, and some natural honey products. How wonderful to see them out there. While their business van was not in working order Victor showed up in the square in as he put it an “unrecognizable vehicle” ready to face the day, and whatever the weather had to bring. They had delicious greens, asparagus, and so much more. It is always nice to see those in our community ready to share such delicious and wonderful foods.

Dawn Kingsbury came from Sugar Babies Cakes, with a slew of gluten-free loaves of bread, cookies, and other delicious items. An enthusiastic kind of gal, that suits my style full of pep and ready to face the day. Sugar Babies cakes located in Elmira, came out to our little market in the square, to bring our community foods they can count on. Knowledgeable, and kind Dawn and Sugar Babies Cakes is a wonderful addition to our market.

Nikki Proctor of Recreating the Brain arrived with her unique pieces of art. No doubt one of a kind and certainly a conversation starter.

Designs by Pat arrived, and despite some hiccups, that mother nature had her hand in, set up with her own unique crafts. Nicely displayed for our patrons to view.

Alma, from Essence Handmade Bath and Skin Care, arrived with some beautiful pieces of artwork herself. her soaps are absolutely beautiful. A gal who has a passion after my own heart, making natural soaps without all of the other junk that can actually be pretty harmful. Unfortunately, the rains came and Vogueing was not going to happen, so no pictures could be gathered. ( I express with a frowny face). Alma has many other wonderful natural products, for men and women alive. Her display showed how simplicity and beautiful craftsmanship can draw the eye.

Kailey’s University Fund… Kailey came out with a bright smile, and her wares, to assist herself in finishing university. Another gal after my own heart and passion for going out in the world and making a difference in the lives of others. Kailey, studying psychology, is aimed to head into the mental health sector, where there is no doubt she will be fantastic. Her empathic skills are a valuable asset to the field. She is a wonderful new addition to the market.

Rob Case from Water Watchers was on site to present some very important information about our water, where it comes from and the impact on our environment and resources. A kind individual, ready to assist wherever needed. Even after the wallops, we received from some pretty intense weather systems.

Farm Land trust was headed up by Julia and a wonderful pal, who brought even more valuable information to the market and our community. they braved the blustery day with the rest of us, having to continually fix their display from mother natures lashings, although, they remained as optimistic as the rest of us, and we proceeded through the day.

Bernice from Special Touches arrived with her wonderful pieces. Pillows for that special place in your home, one of a kind towels, and many other beautifully crafted items. A very pleasant woman, who brings a ray of sunshine to the community. Certainly, you can find the perfect gift here for a loved one.

Two needles One Hook, ( Mandy Tempest), was my, space buddy for the day. Offering some beautiful crocheted creations, that are very intricate indeed. So bright and colorful, they make you feel like cozying up by a fire, with a cup of tea. Her display is inviting and creates a certain ambiance in the marketplace. Always working on something, she is busily working to bring our community some more one-of-a-kind items, and a perfect gift for that someone on your list. My favorite is the barrettes, and baby sandals.

CeresAmbrosia (that’s me) arrived, with more soaps and sewing projects to share with our community. the blustery weather even had me running after items as the winds showed us no mercy.

Then came the rain, or should we call it rain. It was like sheets of water drenching everything in its path. We held steadfast to the tent as the winds were determined to sweep us away to Oz.

Sylvia Hook, one of our Board members was on site to assist in setting up the market, and helping me to carry out water for our vendors, should they need in the dragging heat.

Despite the weather, we stayed determined. Although, as the weather worsened we were asked to close down the market for the safety of our vendors. We cannot wait for next week and are hoping for better weather. As our market continues to grow in numbers, we will have many more talents and delicious eats to bring to our community.

Here’s to a wonderful season filled with wonderful and maybe surprising things.

Today is opening day for the UpTown Waterloo Market. Located in the Civic Square in front of The Shops in Uptown Waterloo and Beer Town.

Today marks the opening of a new season for the UpTown Waterloo Market. It marks the first day of an exciting season. We are happy to see some familiar faces returning and excited to meet new vendors. The UpTown Waterloo Market has been home to many vendors in Waterloo Region and surrounding areas.

I can see some sun shining through the clouds that I woke up to this morning, that seemed to loom overhead. The market will run rain or shine, and we will make the best day we can out of whatever the weather has to bring. It is an exciting time when everyone steps out from their heated houses and faces the spring with gratitude and excitement. A time where many talents greet each other with a kind hello, and a chance for the region to meet the talents of our community.It shall be an exciting day! Space ( as we do not have doors) will open at 3 PM. See you all there!

April 27th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on Almost Market Season!)

It is almost Market Season!

Everyone is gearing up to get down to business and get the season underway. The market is working hard to ensure we are ready to set up.

We have decided, to open a little earlier this season. May 18th is opening day, don’t forget to mark your calendars!

We are looking for volunteers to assist in setup and takedown of the market each week. As a community, within a community, it is important to work together, to make our market successful.

Let’s all work together to bring our community the best it has to offer. We are excited to see returning vendors. Many vendors have been with the market for a long time.

These vendors have become a staple component of the UpTown Waterloo market and help us maintain a family friendly atmosphere.

Our returning vendors have always supported the market and its patrons. As a smaller community within the larger community, we strive to bring the best goods and services to our community.

We are always welcoming new vendors and look forward to seeing all of the great talents, of the many vendors.

Vendor applications will be accepted for the May 18 start date Until May 10, 2017. Although, good news, the market will be accepting vendor applications year round. Even during the offseason, when the market is not in operation.

April 11th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on 2017 Market Season Information about Applications and Changes)

The 2017 Market Season is fast approaching us. We have requested an earlier start date from the City of Waterloo, ( approximately May 18) who believed as much as we do that some extra weeks will be beneficial to all of us who attend as vendors, as well as our community members to be able to come out and enjoy our market just a little longer in the season. We welcome your comments and or suggestions regarding this start date).

The market for many of us is an exciting time. There are always new things to see, taste, and try. Having a market is an important staple in every community. It not only brings the community together, it displays some of the local talents our community has available. Last season was a rough one indeed, and while we fought to stay on top, it was difficult. With the looming LRT construction now almost complete in the area, this season should be met with more promise. While there will be periodic construction, the city does not believe it should impact us at the market too much.

Many vendors last season were missed by those who were regular visitors to their stalls. We hope that we will see our previous vendors return. The market is undergoing some new changes. These changes are to build up our market in the best possible ways. We have teamed up with the City of Waterloo, and are excited to be in collaboration. Having the City of Waterloo collaborate with us, will assist us as a small business to blossom in the community. The current board is working on some positive changes for the market. We know that these changes will take time, to implement, and hope that any transitioning will not be difficult for our vendors. We believe in order for our market to grow change is what we must seek. While many things will remain the same, slight changes will be made to better the future of our market.

On the Board:

Anita D’Hondt – Chair/Onsite and Vending Coordinator

Nathan Klassen – Co- Chair

Mandy Tempest – Assistant Vending Coordinator, member at large

Sylvia Hook – Secretary

Brenda Hodge has sadly stepped down this season as Treasurer, at current this position will not be open, although at a later date will open for a qualified applicant.

We would like to thank Brenda for all of her hard work, and dedication to the market and the board as treasurer. We hope that Brenda will continue with the market as a vendor, for many more seasons to come.

The Market is still looking for board members to assist in running the market if you are interested in a position on the board, please forward an email to uptownmarketwaterloo@gmail.com.

Please include the following;

Name and contact information

Best time to reach you

How you would like to assist (i.e. what position open you would like to assist with)

How much time you have to assist the market each week/month

What qualifications you may have that may be an asset to the market

References

We would like to thank you in advance for your interest in joining our market board. Please note that some positions will be open to the public, so please do not hesitate to contact the market about interest in joining the board.

The market is also looking for volunteers!

Volunteers will assist with set-up and take down of our market each market day. Volunteers may also be asked to complete simple tasks associated with the market from time to time. Market vendors, who wish to volunteer to assist with set up and take down are welcome.

This is a great way for high school, or other students to obtain the necessary community service hours required by their academic institution. Hours will be signed for on a weekly basis.

We hope to meet with a great season, and see all of our vendors out there this season. Together we will make our community grow, and shine.

APPLICATIONS

The 2017 applications will be posted on the website by Tuesday, April 14, 2017. For those wishing to apply sooner please email the market @ uptownmarketwaterloo@gmail.com and a copy will be emailed to you.

There are some changes coming to the policies, procedures, and by-laws. All vendors will be emailed a new and updated copy of these in the next few weeks.

We thank you all once again for all of your hard work, determination, and dedication to the market. In addition, we would like to thank you for your patience during these changes, we are working as diligently as possible to meet with all necessities for the market.

March 7th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on What’s In Season For March?)

March Begins to mark the coming of spring. A time of year where the world seems to come alive again.

The green begins to peek through the white overcoat, and the birds become more plentiful. The aroma of the air begins to shift, and we become impatient awaiting spring’s arrival.

March makes way for the Irish Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Where there is no shortage of the color green, to remind us of frolicking in the supple grass. We begin to hear more of

the patter of young feet hitting the now barren pavement. The sounds of joyous yelps and screams begin to fill the air, and, where walking the family pet, is beginning to seem like a worthy past time.

Although the chill of winter still sets upon us, as mother nature cannot quite seem to make up her mind, on what season we should be in. Where comfort food still reigns over us

and invites us to sit by a cozy fire, possibly curl up with a good book and spend some much needed time with family and friends.

A time where family gatherings are still littered with bulky, warm sweaters and slippers gently gliding across the floor.

We often wonder what is in season, and how can we prepare these foods differently from the usual steaming or boiling?

Here are some new ideas, or perhaps some new twists to old ideas for preparing in season fruits and veggies in March.

Some delicious foods are available in March, some that have become old family favorites, and some that hold old family secrets. Among the available (in season) fruits and vegetables, carrots are already

well known to us all. It may seem hard these days to come up with some more creative ways to both prepare and serve these foods, yet we may just find a gem within our old family recipes,

or a new way to make something with a search of the internet, or delving into those cookbooks sitting in the corner of the kitchen, or on a slightly dusty shelf, somewhere in our homes.

Some other wonderfully delicious and healthy veggies also share a season in March;

2016, came with some new faces at our market. With wonderful goods to offer.

Stone and Shadow was a wonderful new addition Nadia, a vibrant young entrepreneur, offered many unique items, where variety certainly was not lacking.

Her vibrant nature brought a bright spirit to the market each week, and her products were just as bright.

Another new face, baring some sweet delectable treats, that were incredibly hard to walk past, came from Rosie’s Bakery. The aroma was pleasantly intoxicating.

Rosie and Ana, brought another bright spirit to the market, with optimism each week for a good turn out.

We had some nostalgia rein in from Veronica who brought us Pop Art and collectibles. Her pizazz was not only inviting, it was a must for a market like ours.

There was always something fantastical at her stall, and it was definitely a great addition for the gamers at heart.

Lilith, a young high school student joined us this year, with a cause. A great one indeed. With Round up the Rings, she had set out to make our community aware, that we need to care for our community and the critters that share it with us.

She painted young faces, and made the cutest critters, to raise money for her charity.

A studious young entrepreneur approached the market with TeeTime, his silk screen printing would no doubt be a hit at our market. What a better gift for a special someone than a T-Shirt you got to design and have it printed on site to take with you. Toni brought some new innovations and ideas to our beloved market.

A few other new vendors attempted to beat the construction, although, admittedly, we all felt a certain defeat. We were excited to see new faces, while we still missed those familiar ones, who have stood tall and proud of our market, and some since it’s conception.

Two needles One Hook joined us, and as always bringing some fun and funky crochet items that no doubt were wonderful gifts for those special people in our lives. Fun, and inviting these ladies (Mandy and Melody), always strived for the market and its greatness.

The Sylver Dragon, Roared into the season and brought us unique one of a kind jewelry items. Some set in a vintage tone, with all the comforts of years past. Some upbeat and fresh, for those who enjoy something a little more out of the ordinary. There was always something at Brenda’s table that was eye catching.

Nith Valleyonce again showed each week with a determination that leads by example. Their fresh organic fruits and vegetables were no doubt gems at our market. With some of the sweetest strawberries, I had ever tasted. Always willing to share their unique growing methods, and give a little education about the food you bought. There were always wonderful suggestions on how to best prepare these delicious foods, which is certainly invited. I am a food lover, and when food tastes amazing and is fresh, and of excellent quality, you can’t help but stop on by and grab something to add to your next dinner.

Our very own Henna 4 You, Came out to join us as well. We had many emails, regarding when they would arrive last season. It appears they have quite a fan base. Bhupi has brought a beautiful art to our market, and although she could not attend, she certainly sent us some wonderful individuals, with great talent.

CeresAmbrosia, attended the market, bringing natural soap, bath and body products once again. With a passion for bringing us back to the ways that nature intended, CeresAmbrosia always strived to deliver a quality product. We often joked that when it rained at least we would be all clean. The Civic Square may be covered in luscious bubbles, although nonetheless, we would have a bubbly time at the market. We had for a short time another bubbly soap maker, from the Soap Tailor. It was fun to see the differences and similarities and to share some trade secrets.

Pillitteri Estates Winesjoined us for a short time, although the construction was not about to be merciful. One of the greatest highlights is tasting delicious wines… mmm. And where oh where did our sobering coffee guys go from To Bean or Not to Bean, now that certainly is the question.

We missed the TLC that TLC Pet Foods brought for our furry friends. As they joined us at the beginning of the season, some wonderful news met their owner as they were getting ready to welcome a new addition to their family. We hope that you will bring back to our market your wonderful pet food creations to keep all of our furry friends healthy and happy.

There seemed to be less sparkle at the market without Shelly’s Stone Works. Her pieces are certainly inviting to the eye. Her hard work and attention to detail and who delivers beautiful pieces of art, you can wear with pride.

Of course, we have missed all of our vendors who could not be with us this past season. We were lost without our Bread Guy from Elora Bakery, who’s bread made me hungry every Thursday, and my Stall was next to his. Hard to resist the smell of fresh baked bread. We had not any Jewels Under our Kilt this season, certainly missing out on some high quality, delicious nutty bargains. Jewels Under the Kilt. We certainly missed those wonderful gem colored carrots of seasons past, and where would we be without Top Market Meats? And how about our fun loving Looms Bands Guy Corey? So many of you were missed this season it is so hard to list all of you. When we snapped pictures there was no one there to say cheese, as Monforte could not join us this past season. I know I am missing so many more of you. I hope that we will see everyone this season, as we aim to make this our best season yet. For those of you I have not listed, my apologies. I know that there were so many wonderful vendors, and I, unfortunately, can not remember them all by name.

The Market cannot thrive without all of you who’s efforts, and wonderful goodies, bring our community so many incredible options to choose form. Local fresh foods, to enjoy and nourish not only the body but the mind and the soul as well. It was hard to have to tell our customers that many of you could not join us. Not only missed by your market family, missed by those who drew to the market each week to taste the wonderful foods, and to choose that perfect addition either to their own wardrobe or home, or find that one of a kind gift for someone who may be hard to buy for. Let’s bring all of our wonderful vendors back to the Region, and offer our community the very best there is to offer. Let’s Toast to 2017!

February 15th, 2017 | Posted by Anita in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on Construction Blues)

2016, was marked with the construction blues. It was a dark time in the world of the UpTown Waterloo Market.

Although, the market faced the construction head on, attempting with every fiber to remain on the scene each Thursday.

It seemed almost endless as the days and weeks passed us by.

With the halting of construction for some time, upon the discovery of the Corduroy Road, we worried construction might never end.

Although, as the months passed us by rather quickly, the construction vehicles fled, and the road opened once again.

While traffic was often low, we were not going to give up on our beloved market.

The heat was hard to beat, and the market did close for some of the much higher temperature days, as many were feeling the ill effects of the weather.

There seemed to be many obstacles for us to face the past season. However, we must strive to make our market thrive once again.

We missed many of our vendors this season past, as we dragged through the construction. Some of our vendors made every attempt to keep up.

Unfortunately, as some vendors were forced to leave the market for the season. Many of our vendors were looking forward to a new season free from the confines of noise and disruption.

We look forward to a fresh new season and a fresh new start for our market. We look forward to seeing you all there this upcoming season, to bring our community, the best it has to offer.

We hope with all of the support from our wonderful vendors, those who are local farmers and food producers, those whose unique and exquisite craftsmanship, has consistently through the years showed us the many great talents within our community.

We cannot wait to share these wonderful talents and delicious delights with all of you who visit.

The market strives to bring quality food and craftsmanship into the Region of Waterloo, and possibly even beyond its borders.

There are no obstacles that as a community within a community we cannot face together, to make both our market and the region of Waterloo one of the greatest places to be.

Applications will be set up in the coming weeks come out and support your local market! We cannot wait to see you all there.